In its bid to put an end to harassment on campuses, a Pakistani university has imposed a ban on ‘intimate relationships’ between staff members and students in line with the policy of Higher Education Commission.

The ban was imposed by Khyber Medical University (KMU).

A notification issued by Brekhna Jamil, the chairperson of KMU’s harassment inquiry committee, said that penalties for violating the policy were severe and might include oral or written reprimand, dismissal, suspension, expulsion, disciplinary probation, imposition of fine, withholding of degree, cancellation of professional licence, inclusion of decision in personal file and other related sanctions as deemed appropriate, reported Dawn News.

“These relationships pose conflicts of interest, compromise professional judgment, and risk the credibility of the institution. The individuals involved in such relationships should declare it,” it said.

Brekhana has directed all faculty members to disseminate the policy so that all the faculty, staff, and students are fully informed and comply with the provisions outlined in it.

“The notification has been issued with the approval of KMU vice-chancellor,” she told Dawn News.